Description | A validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was employed to explore the IAQ performance of the wind tower with tube heat recovery (THR). The effects of the occupant- and external environment-influenced variables were investigated. Based on the set conditions, the results highlighted that occupant activities had a large impact on CO 2 levels in the ventilated space. The CO 2 level exceeded 1000 ppm above the breathing heights when the occupants were carrying out medium activities, which could be an important consideration when designing spaces ventilated by wind towers as well as sizing them. For the evaluated wind tower, the indoor CO 2 levels were in line with the CO 2 criteria at the typically recommended occupancy density of 1.7-2.6 m 2 /p for primary classrooms. Higher wind speed generally led to lower indoor CO 2 level, however, the limitations of the wind tower with THR should be considered if the building was to be located in a densely populated/high activity space or highly polluted area. The effect of heating/non-heating seasons on the CO 2 removal capacity was minimal. Based on the UK’s year-round mean climate conditions, the CO 2 level in the wind tower with THR complied with rules on the ventilation, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1 and EN 15251. |
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